Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (239)

This is a 19th Century, Dear Horn Antler Netsuke in the form of a Seated Monkey that is holding its young on its lap with both hands in a protective manner, with a tender look on its face. Impressive chimney himotoshi, common of Edo period netsuke, that starts in the back of the monkey and continues to a large opening on the bottom of it. Wonderful. rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.02 inches (2.5cm) in diameter, and 1.47 inches (3.7cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

Exceptional 19th century Japanese Tobacco Box (Tabako-Bon) in rectangular form made with wood and brass (burner inserts), and completed in black and gold lacquer. It is decorated with undulating leave vines and flowers. It has rounded square wooden Karakusa charcoal burners with brass inserts (with remaining tobacco ashes) that are also elegantly decorated with gold vines and flowers. A rectangular wooden handle is attached to the middle of the box. The top edges of the outer box frame have built in spaces to hold the 14 inch black lacquered pipe with brass fittings. The box is constructed with three drawers, which are also lacquered inside and out. Each of the drawers has brass fittings in the form of flowers. Smoking was widespread among both men and women during the Edo period in Japan. These boxes and smoking accessories were found mostly in wealthier homes and were used as part of the tea ceremonies. Production of these boxes ceased at the end of the 19th century, when cigarettes became fashionable and virtually replaced pipe smoking. The box and all of its components are in remarkable preserved excellent condition. Dimensions of the box are: 10.5 inches wide, 6-7/8 inches deep, and 7 inches tall (11 inches including the handle). One of the charcoal burners is 3.5 inches square, and the other is 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall.

19th Century, excellently hand-carved in rare Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) Wood Netsuke depicting a realistic chunk of Driftwood that shows well rendered areas of partially turned bark and a large opening in the middle that may have been dug up by the elements. This piece is attributed to the Iwami School, because it presents all the characteristics of netsuke made by carvers of the region in Japan (See partial illustration - photo #6 - of the book 'Iwami Netsuke from the R. S. Huthart Collection, Rukosho Book Series, Japan): made of Kaki or ebony wood, depicts a natural object in nature, faithfully portraits its subjects, and resembles others models made by the Iwami carvers Its possible that this is a one-of-a-kind example, Anne Hall Grundy, in her book "Netsuke Carvers of the Iwami School" says that "carvers from this school never repeated a model, so, each of their netsuke was an original piece". Large uneven himotoshi, common of netsuke made during the Edo period of Japan, that has been skillfully embedded into the design. Netsuke measures 2.15 inches (5.4cm) wide, and One-inch (2.5cm) in diameter. It is in excellent condition as may be seen in the posted photos.

Finely carved Japanese, 19th century, netsuke depicting Daikoku, one of the seven Gods of Fortune, the god of wealth, shown as an entertainer, playing the flute, while a karako appears right beside him while performing an acrobatic act. Signed Tomochika. Excellent details, form and expressions on this piece, with a wonderful patina. Netsuke measures 0.98 inches (2.5cm) wide, 0.70 inches (1.8cm) deep, and 1.55 inches (3.9cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as shown in the posted photos.

This is a Meiji Period nicely carved netsuke depicting a Seated Hotei, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Contentment and Happiness, holding a fan on his right hand, and a gourd on his left hand. Very nice rounded functional form with a mellow patina. Signed Gyokuzan. Netsuke measures 1.82 inches (4.6cm) wide, 1.28 inches (3.2cm) deep, and 1.17 inches (3.0cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an unusually large 19th Century, Finely Hand-Carved Wood Tonkotsu decorated with excellently finished high relief carvings of a Daruma Doll, a Toy Riding Horse, a Japanese Tai Fish laying on top of a rectangular base, a Sea Turtle and a Chrysanthemum flower, amid a detailed background of cross-lined squares. A wooden Manju with a Chrysanthemum motif, decorated with exquisite Ukibori carving, is attached, as well as a metal and natural seed beads. The Tonkotsu has a cylindrical shaped wooden liner. The tonkotsu is unsigned. It measures 4.52 inches (11.48cm) wide, 2.54 inches (6.4cm) deep, and 3.65 inches (9.2cm) tall. The netsuke measures 1.56 inches (4.0cm) wide, and 0.58inches (1.5cm) tall. The beads measure 1.4cm in diameter. The lid of the tonkutso shows a hairline from a well done repair; hardly noticeable, but, its otherwise, in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

Superb Chinese Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle, Signed LeSan, Circa 1890 This is a superb flat, tapered downward, Chinese Snuff Bottle made with clear glass. It is painted from the inside with bright colors. It depicts on one side a seated Lady with a fan who is outdoors in a garden. The other side shows a mountain landscape that is very popular with this 19th century master painter. This particular work was made sometime between 1890 and 1900. It comes with a white and red domed glass top. Other similar examples of LeSan's work are shown in photos number 6 and 7. Wonderful preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.60 inches (6.6cm) Width: 1.90 inches (4.8cm) Thickness: 0.81 inches (2.1cm) Weight: 1.6 ounces

Superb Chinese Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottle, Signed Yong Shou Tian, Dated 1917 This is a superb rounded square shaped Large Chinese Snuff Bottle made with clear glass. It is painted from the inside with bright colors. It depicts scenes of generals riding on horses, engaged in battle, a theme very typical of this artist. It is dated 1917. It comes with a rounded coral over a flat stone base stopper . It is in excellent preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 3.40 inches (8.6cm) Width: 2.68 inches (6.8cm) Thickness: 2.15 inches (5.5cm) Weight: 6.4 ounces

18th/ Early 19th C. Chinese Cloisonne Enameled Bronze Snuff Bottle This is a very old, finely made Chinese Cloisonne Enameled on Bronze Snuff Bottle, flattened, round high neck on oval base ring. The broad sides are decorated with stylized flowers on a pink background within blue circles. The narrow sides are covered with blue and ret lotus flowers and tendrils on a yellow background. Great preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.24 inches (5.7cm) Width: 1.63 inches (4.2cm) Depth: 0.84 inches (2.2cm) Weight: 1.0 ounces

19th Century Chinese High Relief Carved Agate Snuff Bottle This is a very fine, 19th century, Flattened , Rectangular form with concaved foot and straight neck, well hollowed Agate snuff bottle. It has carved, in high relief, the image of Shoulao under a Peach Tree with a deer on one side, and a chrysanthemum plant on the reverse. It comes with a green jadeite stopper. The bottle is in excellent preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.32 inches (5.8cm) - Not including stopper Width: 1.47 inches (3.7cm) Thickness: 1.0 inches (2.5cm) Weight: 2.2 ounces A similar bottle was sold at auction at Skinner's (Boston) for $980 on 02 June 2011, See photo #6

This is a finely hand carved, Mid-19th Century, Mixed Materials Netsuke depicting an Entertainer who is kneeling while in the middle of a theatrical performance. He is wearing an Okame mask with red-painted lips. He is also sporting a pouch that is being held around his waist by a manju netsuke. Excellent details on both the actors expression's and clothing. Wonderful, rich patina. Signed Issen on the bottom of the piece. This excellent miniature sculpture measures 0.88 inches (2.3cm) wide, and 1.86 inches (4.8cm) tall. NOTE: The reference to the carvers signature, Issen, is found on page 520 of George Lazarnick's "Netsuke and Inro Artists, and How to Read their Signatures", 1982 edition.

This is a fine, 18th century Japanese Netsuke depicting a monk laying on top of Hotei's Bag of Treasures. Wonderful expression with beautiful patina, what has torn golden from use on the bottom. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.88 inches (4.8cm) wide, 1.22 inches (3.1cm) deep, and, 0.92 inches (2.4cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.

This is a 19th century Japanese Netsuke, in a somewhat rare depicting of Shoki, the "Demon Queller", a mythical being, the hero of a Chinese legend of the T'ang Dynasdy, who became the ghostly protector of the Emperor Meiko, who is carrying, actually dragging, a very large bag 'Full of Oni's". A stern and very serious expression on Shoki's face. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.95 inches (5.0) wide, 0.78 inches (2.0) deep, and 0.85 (2.2cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.

This is an 19th Century finely carved netsuke depicting a Blacksmith sitting on a stool and getting ready to place a shoe on one of the Horse's Hoofs. The horse is standing right next to him, with his body turned towards the blacksmith. Very nice detail and excellent golden-yellow patina. Unsigned. This netsuke shows wear due to handling. Aslo, the backsmith's right hand has been repaired, otherwise, it is in very good condition as shown in the attached photos. Netsuke measures 0.92 inches (2.3cm) wide, 1.30 inches (3.3cm) long, and 1.16 inches (3.0cm) tall. Netsuke has an age hairline, but, it is otherwise in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an Early 19th Century excellently carved netsuke depicting a Herdboy standing with a whip in his hand, right next to his oxen that is heavily loaded with rice bails. Very nice detail and excellent golden-yellow patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 0.94 inches (2.4cm) wide, 1.46 inches (3.7cm) long, and 1.28 inches (3.2cm) tall. Netsuke has an age hairline, but, it is otherwise in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

19th Century, nicely Hand-Carved stag antler Netsuke depicting a standing Karako who is carrying a large Treasure Sack over his shoulder. He also holding a fan on his left hand. Netsuke has a mellow patina and feels very smooth in the hand. Netsuke has a hollow bottom, characteristic of netsuke made from stag antler This netsuke is unsigned. It measures 0.85 inches (2.2cm) in diameter, and 2.0 inches (2.5cm) tall. Netsuke has a couple of age hairlines, but it is solid, and its otherwise in excellent condition.

19th Century, nicely Hand-Carved Netsuke depicting Two Standing Karakos (Chinese Boys), wearing the customary customs, and shown with the double puffs of hair on the side of their heads; one of them is wearing an Otafuku mask. Nice mellow patina, with a couple of age hairlines. Use and holding has made the netsuke sleek and lustrous; it feels very smooth in the hand. Unsigned. It measures 1.33 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.47 inches (3.7cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an Early 19th Century finely carved netsuke depicting a Seated Hotei, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Contentment and Happiness, with two standing karakos by his side, who are helping the Deity hold a Tama, or Sacred Jewel, which is an Emblem of The Everlasting. Great rounded functional form with a mellow patina. Nicely detailed. Himotoshi shows signs of use, and there is wear associated with use and handling. Netsuke measures 1.33 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 0.98 inches (2.5cm) tall. Netsuke shows some wear, but, it is otherwise in great condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.